The 2020 FSPW Winter Tracks season kicked off this year with the Libby 5th grade at Timberlane Campground on January 10. Over 40 students braved the cold winter day to shuffle through a series of outdoor education stations. Students trotted across freshly fallen snow while learning about a variety of outdoor topics from volunteer instructors.
Will Gilbert with the Forest Service spoke about the importance of Leave No Trace ethics when recreating, ensuring a clean event for all. Ben Bernall, also from the Forest Service, taught 5th graders about avalanche rescue and safety. Flora and fauna were tackled by Celesta Collacchi and Gene Reckin. Celesta led students on a Tree ID nature walk, and Gene showed off his expansive knowledge of animal winter adaptations.
As the final station ended, snow began to fall, and Timberlane Campground became a true winter wonderland. The kids lined up for photos while cheering “Winter Tracks!” before hopping onto the bright yellow school bus and heading back home.
As always, our wonderful FSPW volunteers made the day a success by serving hot chocolate, stoking the fire, and leading the lessons. Events like this would not be possible without your help. We also want to extend a big thank you to Rosauer’s for providing hot coffee and donuts, Pizza Hut for lunch, and Libby Schools for helping Lincoln County students find their wild place.
We can’t wait for the rest of our Winter Tracks season. FSPW will be hosting events for school children in Lincoln, Sanders, and Bonner counties over the course of the next several months. Keep an eye out for kids in the wild!
